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Marshalswick Baptist Free Church - Notices |
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Robin Ivor Davies: 30th March 1934 - 3rd February 2008 Man of faith Robin was born in Tenby on Good Friday 1934. Right from the start, he was near the sea, which he loved. Following school, he felt a call to the Christian ministry and entered the Baptist Theological College in Cardiff. He studied there and at University College, Cardiff, for six years. It was in 1958 that he began his ministry - in Nazareth, Mountain Ash. Pastorates followed at Kingsbury (1964 - 68); Leicester - Carey Hall(1972 - 74) and Belgrave Union (1974 - 76); Ponthir (1976 - 81); Nantwich (1981 - 93) and Marshalswick, from 1993 to 2002. From 1968, he also pursued a career in education and, immediately prior to coming to Marshalswick, was the Principal of Crewe College of Further and Higher Education. A devoted husband to Barbara, and father to Sian and Gareth, Robin was proud of their many achievements - and, latterly, took great delight in his grandchildren, Cerys and Gavin. A Baptist at heart, Robin was ecumenical in outlook and served Marshalswick and St Albans well during his pastorate here. He was a professional, lived life to the full, and took his church membership extremely seriously. Rugby was his first sporting love - and it was fitting that, on the day before he died, Wales, after 20 years of waiting, beat England at Twickenham. An academic, a keen sportsman and a ‘people person’, Robin breathed new life into this church. He was no mean table tennis player too - which showed in the Wednesday social afternoon sessions, which he started soon after his arrival in 1993. Among Robin’s many achievements here was 'oiling the administrative wheels' that allowed the Marshalswick Homeworkers' group to be inaugurated. In an article on the group that Robin wrote for The Baptist Times, he said: ‘The church is concerned about people, their feelings; emotions; hopes and fears; their relationships; helping families to stay together; enjoying family life; to be at peace with themselves while at work and under pressure. The church provides the outlet and the facility for people to meet and share ideas, hopes, dreams, frustrations and fears... This is the work of the church - the love of Christ working through his people.’ These sentiments summarise Robin's approach to the Christian ministry. When he finally ‘retired’ to Nantwich, Robin travelled widely in his role as Chairman of the British Christian Endeavour Union. He was a man of learning and yet a modest man. His bravery shone through his long illness. The face he showed to the world was calm; his voice composed; his demeanour uncomplaining. Robin shared his faith with all. We give thanks for such a life; for such a man. By Ken Rankin. The church’s Small Groups recommence during the week of 4th February. This time, the topic will be: 'Seven signs in John's gospel', with the groups focusing on events in the ministry of Jesus: * Turning water into wine (John 2: 1-11) YOU can join a Small Group on: * Monday afternoons at 2.00 pm (at 73
Harvest Court. Host: Joan Jory; leader: Philip Whitlock) What YOU need to do NOW: If you are already a member of a group, you need take no action. Your group leader will make contact with you. If you want to join a group, please speak to the leader of the group you wish to join or have a word with Graham Clarke or Philip Whitlock. All the groups welcome new members and are open to everyone. Why YOU should think about joining a Small Group: Small Groups provide an opportunity to get to know each other better and to explore our faith in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. So, if you haven't joined a group yet, Lent 2008 is an ideal time to dip your toe in the water and let it be part of your preparation for Easter. If you are still unsure or want to know more, please speak to Graham, Philip or any of the group leaders. By Philip Whitlock. Minibus to church - Timetable: From Sunday September 2nd, the minibus timetable will be:
The timetable is provisional and may be varied in the light of experience. * Additional stops can be incorporated if required. Just ask - we will
do our best to help. Top of page Do wish there was somewhere you could go to get away from it all for a little while? The Church is open on a Saturday morning between 10:00 & 12:00 for just that reason. Feel free to come in and pray, meditate, contemplate or just sit quietly for a few minutes.
How to recognise a healthy church A healthy church sees a future full of challenges and
opportunities; an unhealthy church sees a future full of problems and dangers. |
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Page updated: 26-02-2008 13:30
